With over 1,600 learning management systems (or LMS) to choose from, finding a platform suiting your organization’s online training needs can feel overwhelming. What features are the most important? Do I need content creation tools? Will my students take full advantage of the training materials offered?
Choosing an LMS becomes easier if you understand what you’re looking for in a learning management system, but the sheer volume of options and complicated marketing jargon can still make it difficult to get your online learning program off the ground. This article will streamline the process by listing 10 great LMS vendors that stand out in the industry, each with pros that may make them the right fit for you.
If you would like to learn more about the LMS solutions below or compare them head-to-head to other top learning management systems, create a free account on FindAnLMS.com. FindAnLMS.com is a platform developed by online learning expert Craig Weiss to let anyone research top LMS vendors like a pro. You get unbiased reviews, up-to-date lists of features, and exclusive insight from Weiss himself. Without further ado, let’s explore what makes a great LMS and reveal a shortlist of options for you to consider.
LMS is not a bad word
If you’ve ever listened to a sales pitch from an LMS vendor, you know they wanted to be called anything but an LMS. Some LMS vendors call themselves talent development platforms (TDP), while others prefer learner experience platforms (LXP). Some LMS vendors even make up their own acronyms. Technically, each acronym has a unique definition with different expected features and training tools. However, that’s generally more information than the average user needs.
Weiss simplifies things by calling every online learning platform an LMS regardless of what the manufacturer calls it. This way, you can focus on your organization’s specific training needs and how to deliver content online instead of an alphabet soup of acronyms.
What to look for in a learning management system
Every LMS vendor will say they’re the best fit for you, but you should ignore them and focus on your organization’s specific training needs. If your organization is growing, look for an LMS based in the cloud for easy scalability. If your primary objective is employee training and development, find LMS software that specializes in internal training. Similarly, you want a dedicated customer training platform if your aim is training external individuals.
While your needs always come first, there are a handful of general guidelines to follow when shopping for an LMS. Even the best learning management systems run into the occasional technology snafu, so look for an LMS vendor with 24/7 support to help you resolve any issues. You also want an intuitive user interface (UI) and user experience (UX), so both learners and admins feel comfortable accessing content online. Pricing is a consideration as well since the ideal LMS system won’t accomplish anything if you cannot afford it.
Ten of the best LMS solutions for training available today
The following list of LMS vendors is in no particular order. Furthermore, there are great LMS vendors excluded from this list because 10 is a small number. Still, you won’t go wrong by beginning your LMS research with any of them. All 10 are also included in FindAnLMS.com.
- DeGreed
Degreed was one of the first LMS vendors to embrace the LXP moniker and has now transcended to what Weiss calls “LXP+,” though DeGreed no longer uses LXP either. Their online platform is good for skill development, and an optional add-on called DeGreed Intelligence with outstanding metrics that tell your data story. It works best for internal employee training.
- Biz Skills
Biz Skills is the first and currently only LMS to pre-map all content to relevant skills ahead of time, helping both learners and administrators find the content they need to pursue their goals. Students can easily find what they need for compliance training or pursue upskilling opportunities of interest to them, while an admin data center helps admins determine ROI.
- Bealink
Bealink is the newest LMS on this list, and Weiss describes it as an “up-and-coming vendor in the LXP space.” It already has great features that could explode in the next few months with continued refinement.
- Raven360
Raven360 is an under-the-radar LMS excelling in product training. Learners can access a facsimile of products through hands-on labs so they can practice without jeopardizing actual clients or data. Admins also get a robust collection of analytical tools to demonstrate the ROI of training.
- KREDO
Nearly every LMS offers some kind of learning path functionality, but KREDO stands out by making personalized training visually engaging. Progress is represented by a road, with students represented by cars. Every user can “race” their colleagues to the finish line while absorbing the training content they need.
- Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS is a comprehensive combo learning management system great for employee and customer training alike. That makes it a great choice for organizations looking for both, though you will need to pay extra for add-ons to get the most out of it.
- Thought Industries
Thought Industries (TI for short) is an LMS designed from the ground up with customer training in mind. Weiss named it the top learning management system for associations for two years running, and it has all of the features you would expect save a dedicated mobile app. Notably, its AI Coach is the best use of generative artificial intelligence in the LMS space.
- Eurekos
Eurekos is also an LMS designed specifically for the customer training market. It’s more affordable than bigger names, compromises nothing when it comes to features, and sends a monthly invoice. Most LMS vendors charge based on the maximum number of students who might access the system, but Eurekos charges based on active users instead.
- Fuse
Fuse has a unique UI/UX unlike any other LMS, so it might feel disorienting if your students are already familiar with other learning management systems. It is intuitive though, so students new to online training will probably enjoy it. This LMS also offers outstanding metrics and solid skill development features.
- D2L Brightspace
D2L Brightspace is another combo LMS that can be used for employee training, customer training, or both. It offers the same AI Coach as TI, advanced metrics through an optional add-on called Performance Plus, and an e-commerce component that makes it easy to sell content.
Find a great learning management system for your content with FindAnLMS.com today
Your search for a top LMS should begin with FindAnLMS.com. When you create a free account on FindAnLMS.com, you’re signing up for insight from elearning expert Craig Weiss, reliable information on LMS features, and head-to-head comparisons between a curated list of learning management systems. You can also search for specific features to streamline your research. Finding a learning management system has never been so simple!
